Procrastination prayers

There comes a moment when praying becomes a form of spiritual procrastination. It’s time to stop praying and start acting. ~Mark Batterson, in A Circle of Prayer I write this in the middle of two posts about making prayer a way of life, praying without ceasing, about God’s response to our prayers–all taken from Colossians 4:2-4. At… Read More

Be the sheep–give up control!

I have not engaged in witchcraft, but I have tried to manipulate God through my prayers. For many years I tried a variety of prayer formats to get what I wanted–what I had decided I had a right to and God should give to me. I bargained, I promised,  I followed formulas … I wanted… Read More

Colossians 3:18-19 Go all out in love

Submission is not something we in America do well. I can’t speak for those in other countries, because I don’t have enough experience in and of your cultures. But individual rights and privileges–something I believe in and support–can lead us to think only of ourselves and what we deserve and have rights to.  Individualistic thinking–what’s… Read More

Colossians 3:17 Take myself out of the limelight

I have been wondering lately, how much of what I do is so that people will think good of me? If I am living for God, trying to be someone who reflects His light to the world, why do I feel the need to have my shadow–my silhouette–superimposed on His light? What would it look… Read More

When does a “ball of cells” become a baby?

I am grieving today for all those babies who never got to be born. I am not judging anyone involved–that is not for me to do. But, I am sad for those uniquely-designed individuals, still in the just-made stage, who never got a chance to live. And I pray for God to move the hearts… Read More

Colossians 3:16 Pay attention

Today I am memorizing and saying Proverbs 4:20-23 out loud at least seven times. I must admit, this is my own translation of the verse–helps me to remember it easier. I was amazed at how much it aligns with today’s text of Colossians 3:16. Thank you for reiterating, Lord. Say Proverbs 4:20-23 out loud with… Read More

Colossians 3:15 If I cultivate thankfulness, what will I reap?

How does cultivating thankfulness generate peace and harmony? Try a variation on counting to ten next time you are irritated, frustrated, or ready to give up on something or someone. Name ten things you are thankful for right now–big and small, physical or emotional, person or situation. Or try listing ten things you are thankful… Read More